Waka Flocka Flame the New 2Pac?

Infamous record executive Suge Knight oversaw the successful careers of such hip-hop heavyweights as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and hip-hop’s quintessential bad boy, Tupac “2Pac” Shakur, while at the helm of 1990s hip-hop power label Death Row. Now, after languishing in musical limbo following a very public downfall, it seems Knight has found his newest star protégé. Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame recently confirmed rumors that Knight has officially signed on to help him steer his career.

In a statement released to XXL, Flame explained that Knight will help him to oversee Bricksquad Monopoly West record company as well as broker movie deals for the rapper.

“It’s valid. It ain’t no rumors. It’s what it is,” Flame said. “You gotta really start pulling in people in the game who know the game. Suge is not the only one. I’ma start snatching in the real ones. Suge helped me get a good movie deal. Now I need to get on the TV screen. Ain’t nothing wrong with f—-n’ with some Gs. I f–k with Master P too. They’re just good for information, homie.”

Though his business relationship is already drawing obvious comparisons to Knight’s infamous relationship with late protégé 2Pac, Flame shoots down the comparisons to his fellow rowdy emcee and explains that his image and management will remain the same.

“He’s helping me oversee the company,” Flame said. “I’m not trying to be ‘Pac, I’m not trying to be Death Row. I’m Brick Squad Monopoly. My mother is still my manager. I ain’t changing shit. It is what it is. But it’s like having Jordan and Kobe. Why not play with both?”

Though the emcee recently released two mixtapes, Lock Out with French Montana and Lebron Flocka James 3, and plans to release his next full-length album later this year, he reiterates his previous claim of “retirement” and says he now has his eyes set on making it big behind the scenes.

“F–k accomplishing goals as a artist,” he said. “I wanna accomplish goals as a CEO now. That’s the s–t I’m on right now.”

Considering both Flame and Knights troubled pasts, we hope this new business partnership doesn’t end in tragedy. What are your thoughts on their new partnership? –nicholas robinson